Coin detecting system



March 3, 1970 TADAOWUKON EI'AL I 3,493,437

COIN DETECTING SYSTEM Filed May 1,, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 3, 1970 TADAO u o ETAL 3,498,437

COIN DETECTING SYSTEM Filed May 1, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 t? 2 10 1 K Wik c? H F I nY u 8 f f Y #:s 2 1 .7

March 3, 1970 TADAO UKQN ETAL 3,498,437

COIN DETECTING SYSTEM Filed ma 1, 1968 s Sheets-Sheet 5 112-... 7 Q :E 7 B.-

Proximity switoh EL Proximity switoh .l::

Differential Circuit L Differential Circuit L MEMORY circuit I MEMORY cirouit l:L

Timer 7 l:t -l Timer 7 htzl Solenoid Solenoid Timer 8 Timer 8 Hfl:

Buzzer 3uzzer 1-21-5 EQ- .E :1 E' EB Proximit Switch l] [1 Proximit switoh l] l] Differential cirouit L L L L Differential .L L L Counter 1 Counter Solenoid Solenoid Timer 7Ji'| Timer 7 Timer 8 Timer 8 'I|: Buzzer Buzzer T5E EQ TIT-LE EB Proximity switoh |:l Proximity switoh lj: INHIBIT cirouit l:l INHIBIT cirouit l:j MEMORY Circuit' MEMORY cirouit [:l l:l so1emoid l:l

Timer 7 [:tj Timer 7 E 3] Timer 8 Timer 8 Buzzer Buz zer .l::

T=E' LEQ j E-' JUB IIOXi'ZZitI-f Switch 1 Proximity Switch fl: nor Circuit 11:]: NOT ir uit 11:L NOT Circuit 12 El NOT Circuit 12 l: MEMORY cirouit [:L MEMORY cirouit l:l

Timer 7 [5 Timer 7 |:t AND Circuit EL AND Circuit Solenoid [:l. I d Timer 8 I Timer l'i-J::

Buzzer Buzzer I United States Patent 3,498,437 COIN DETECTING SYSTEM Tadao Ukon and Yoshihisa Kumegawa, Kyoto, Japan, assignors to Tateisi Electronics Co., Kyoto, Japan Filed May 1, 1968, Ser. No. 725,681

Claims priority, application Japan, May 12, 1967,

42/ 40,160 Int. Cl. G07f 3/02 U.S. Cl. 194-100 10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A coin detecting system comprising a coin detecting means, a means to be controlled (for dispensing operation) and a means for identifying a coin detecting signal disposed between the two means. The means to be controlled is controlled by an output signal produced by the detecting means upon detecting a coin. When the detecting means continues producing a coin detecting signal for more than a predetermined time, the identifying means replaces the signal and applies the substantial signal to the means to be controlled.

The present invention relates to improvements in a coin detecting system principally for automatic vending machines and the like.

In general, it is frequently seen that in automatic vending machines or the like, coins dropped into the inlet are caught on while passing through the passage and the passage is consequently clogged up. In case such a trouble arises in a portion other than the section in which detecting operation is performed by a coin detecting means such as a proximity switch, the repair work requires only a temporary layoff of the vending machine. If it develops, however, that a coin clogs up within the detecting area of the proximity switch, the proximity switch continues producing a continuous output signal. Once such a trouble occurs in a machine in which an article is released upon receipt of the signal from the coin detecting means, there arises a difiiculty that the articles are sent out in successive manner. In case a signal from a coin detecting means is first supplied to a counting circuit such as a counter, and an article is released in response to the signal thereafter produced by this circuit, the apparatus having such system is defective in that the counting operation would not be thoroughly carried out should it be subject to a situation like the above described.

Production of a continuous signal from the coin detecting means, while this is mainly caused by the clogging of a coin, is also attributable to the troubles in the coin detecting means itself. For example, owing to sudden changes in the surrounding conditions as in temperature, the proximity switch may possibly perform an erroneous operation and go on producing continuous signals. It is also likely that where a snap action switch with a mechanical switching operation in contacts is employed as a coin detecting means, the operation over a long period may almost wear out the snap action switch to such an extent that normal operation can no longer be secured, thus giving rise to troubles similar to the above mentioned.

When seen from the viewpoint of the whole apparatus, such difiiculties as above described are to be regarded as the troubles in the vending machine itself. Since the vending machine is used for saving labour, it is essential that the prompt repair work be provided to a defective machine. conventionally, there were difficulties in troubleshooting, however.

A principal object of the present invention is accordingly to eliminate the troubles which are attributable to "ice the continuous signal produced from the coin detecting means.

More particularly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide a novel coin detecting system, wherein between a coin detecting means such as a proximity switch and another means to be controlled by the output a signal therefrom such as a solenoid for releas ing articles or counter, is disposed a means for identifying a coin detecting signal which, when a continuous output signal is produced from said proximity switch for more than a desired period of time, interrupts said signal or supplies the substitute of said signal to the means to be controlled like the abovewmentioned solenoid, counter or the like, thus preventing troubles such as continuous article-releasing operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure which, when a trouble such as above mentioned is caused, is capable of indicating it to obtain improved troubleshooting.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. Although there are two types of automatic vending machine, namely, a single operation type and a multi-operation type, the present invention will be described with respect to the single operation type, in particular. However, the present invention is also applicable to the multioperation type which is involved in the technical concept of the invention, and accordingly, it is by no means limited only to the single operation type.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a coin detecting system in which a dilferential circuit is employed;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a coin detecting system in FIG. 1 with some modifications;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a coin detecting system in which a timer is used;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a slightly modified embodiment of the coin detecting system in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a coin detecting system in which a Not circuit is employed;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a slightly modified embodiment of the coin-detecting system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is a diagram of signal wave-forms as produced during a normal coin detecting operation of the coin detecting system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7B is a diagram of abnormal signal wave-forms as produced upon a trouble such as clogging with coin taking place in the coin detecting system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8A is a diagram of signal wave-forms as produced during a normal coin detecting operation of the coin detecting system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8B is a diagram of abnormal signal wave-forms as produced upon a trouble such as clogging with coin taking place in the coin detecting system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9A is a diagram of signal wave-forms as produced during a normal coin detecting operation of the coin detecting system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9B is a diagram of abnormal signal wave-forms as produced upon a trouble such as clogging with coin taking place in the coin detecting system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10A is a diagram of signal wave-forms as produced during a normal coin detecting operation of the coin detecting system shown in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 10B is a diagram of abnormal signal wave-forms as produced upon a trouble such as clogging with coin taking place in the coin detecting system shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 7A and 7B, there is shown an embodiment in which for the fulfilment of the objects of the present invention, a differential circuit is employed as a means for identifying a coin detecting signal. In

this embodiment, a proximity switch 2 producing a proximity switch output signal upon detecting a coin dropped in is connected to a differential circuit 3, which is further connected to a MEMORY circuit 6 which memorizes a signal based upon a differential output and supplies a signal to a means to be controlled such as a solenoid 4 for releasing articles. Accordingly, even when the proximity switch 2 produces a continuous proximity switch output signal, the differential circuit 3 produces only one trigger pulse instead of the continuous signal, since the differential circuit has characteristics that it is responsive only to a sudden variation of the input signal.

Reversed by the trigger pulse, the MEMORY circuit 6 produces a memory output signal which is supplied to the control means 5 to energize, for example, the solenoid 4 for release of articles, The continuous proximity switch output signal is also supplied to the means 5 to be controlled from the proximity switch, and simultaneously therewith, a timer 7 is actuated into timing operation. The MEMORY circuit 6 is reset upon a timer signal A being produced after a predetermined time interval t. Although the proximity switch 2 produces a continuous coin detecting signal, the differential circuit 3 does not send forth a continuous sgnal, so that the MEMORY circuit 6, once reset, cannot be set again, with the result that there will be no article-releasing signals produced thereafter.

On the other hand, a proximity switch output signal is supplied from the proximity switch 2 to the timer 8 which is connected to the output terminal of the switch 2. In the normal coin-detecting operation, the timer 8 is brought into timing operation upon the generation of the proximity switch output signal, but the timing operation is interrupted since the width of the proximity switch output signal is narrow. A buzzer 9 connected to the output terminal of the timer 8 does not produce an alarm signal, accordingly. However, in case the proximity switch 2 supplies the timer 8 with a continuous proximity switch output signal, the timer 8 is brought into timing operation simultaneously therewith to deliver an alarm signal to the buzzer 9 after a predetermined time interval t. In response to the alarm signal from the timer 8, the buzzer 9 emits an alarm thereby warning that coin-clogging has occurred.

Thus, in accordance with this embodiment, the output terminal of the proximity switch 2 serving as coin detecting means is connected to the differential circuit 3 and the signal based upon the differential output from the differential circuit 3 is employed as an output signal of the coin detecting system. Therefore, even when a continuous signal is sent forth from the proximity switch or the like due to an undesirable accident, only one output signal is produced for the release of an article, thus effecting perfect prevention of successively deliveries of articles. According to the present embodiment, in particular, economical commercial production is also secured due to the fact that by connecting one differential circuit to a conventional apparatus the proposed system can be obtained.

FIGS. 3, 9A and 9B show an embodiment in which a timer is employed as a means for identifying a coin detecting signal. In the description, the names of the elements identical with those of the foregoing will be hereinafter referred to with like reference numerals. In this embodiment, an output terminal of a proximity switch 2 is connected to an INHIBIT circuit 10 which, so long as there is a timer signal A from a timer 8, does not apply to a terminal further connected thereto an inhibit output signal notwithstanding that there is a proximity switch output signal. The INHIBIT circuit is further connected to a MEMORY circuit 6 which memorizes a signal based upon the inhibit output from the INH IBIT circuit 10 to apply a signal to a control means 5 such as a solenoid 4 for releasing articles Once a signal is applied to the MEMORY circuit 6 from the INHIBIT circuit 10, the MEMORY circuit 6 regardless of whether or not there is an inhibit output signal thereafter, emits a memory out put signal, whereupon a timer 7 is set in timing operation and when a timer signal A is produced therefrom after a predetermined time interval t, the MEMORY circuit 6 is reset.

In case a continuous output signal is sent forth from the proximity switch 2, the timer 8 connected to the proximity switch 2 is brought into timing operation simultaneously therewith to apply a timer output signal B to the INHIBIT circuit 10 after a predetermined time interval t and the INHIBIT circuit 10 is energized thus preventing the circuit from supplying the MEMORY circuit 6 with the inhibit output signal. Simultaneously with the supply of the timer output signal B from the timer 8 to the INHIBIT circuit 10, the signal B is also applied to the buzzer 9, whereupon the buzzerproduces an alarm to indicate the trouble caused in the coin detecting system When a coin 1 passes through the proximity switch 2 provided in the system described above, the timing operation of the timer 8 is interrupted, and accordingly, the INHIBIT circuit is deenergized, the time duration of the proximity switch output signal being smaller than the time interval set by the timer 8. The output signal from the proximity switch 2 is, therefore, transmitted through the INHIBIT circuit 10 and MEMORY circuit 6 to the control means 5 to effect, for example, energization of the solenoid 4 for the release of articles.

Now, when a continuous proximity switch output signal, due to the clogging with coin, is sent forward from the proximity switch, a timer output signal B is applied, after a predetermined time interval t, through the timer 8 to the INHIBIT circuit 10, to thereby energize the circuit, with the result that the memory output signal to be applied to the MEMORY circuit 6 is interrupted. Thus, with the absence of the output signal from the INHIBIT circuit 10, continuous deliveries of articles will no longer take place, that is, should a coin clog up in this embodiment, a trouble such as continuous release of articles would not be brought about.

In order to accomplish the objects already stated, the

present invention can also provide another structure as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 10A and 10B. In this embodiment, the numerals 11 and 12 indicate NOT circuits having characteristics that where there is present an input 1, an output 0 is produced. The first NOT circuit 11 receives a proximity switch output signal from a proximity switch 2 as the input thereof and the second NOT circuit 12 receives a NOT output signal A from the first NOT circuit 11 as the input thereof. Under a normal condition, namely, while a coin is not dropped in, an output signal 1 is always produced, the input from the proximity switch 2 being 0, and, therefore, the second NOT circuit 12 which receives the output signal does not produce any NOT output signal B. V The numeral 6 is a MEMORY circuit which memorizes a signal from the proximity switch 2. Once the MEMORY circuit receives an output signal from the NOT circuit 12, the circuit produces a memory output signal regardless of whether there is, thereafter, an output signal from the NOT circuit 12, while simultaneously with the generation of the memory output signal, a timer 7 is brought into timing operation to produce, after a predetermined time interval t, a timer output signal A, by which the above mentioned MEMORY circuit 6 is reset.

Numeral 14 is an AND circuit to be provided, as the inputs thereof, with the memory output signal from the MEMORY circuit 6 and with the NOT output signal A from the NOT circuit 11. The AND circuit applies a signal to a control means 5 only when both of these two inputs are received.

Numeral 8 designates a timer which is actuated into timing operation simultaneously with the delivery of a continuous proximity switch output signal from the proximity switch 2 to the terminal connected thereto and which, after a predetermined time interval t, produces a timer output signal B to be received by a buzzer 9. The buzzer 9 promptly indicates a trouble caused in the coin detecting system.

When a coin 1 is inserted in this apparatus comprising above described structure, the proximity switch 2, detecting this, sends forth a coin detecting signal, namely, proximity switch output signal to the MEMORY circuit 6 through the NOT circuits 11 and 12 connected thereto, whereupon the MEMORY circuit 6 is reversed, the output therefrom being further applied to the AND circuit Upon the coin 1 passing through and coming out of the detecting area of the proximity switch 2, the proximity switch output signal from the switch disappears, simultaneously with which the NOT circuit 11 now produces a NOT output signal A, which is further applied to the NOT circuit 12. In consequence, no output signal is sent forth from the NOT circuit 12, hence no output signal from the MEMORY circuit 6 to the AND circuit 14. On the other hand, with the NOT output signal A directly applied from the NOT circuit 11 to the AND circuit 14, a signal is sent forth therefrom to energize a desired element of the control means such, for example, as solenoid 4, thereby effecting delivery of an article.

In case a continuous proximity switch output signal is emitted from the proximity switch 2, the NOT circuit 11 does not produce any NOT output signal A, and accordingly, one of the input terminals of the AND circuit 14 receives no input, hence no output signal from the AND circuit 14. Troubles such as continuous deliveries of articles can thus be avoided.

Furthermore, in case where the present embodiment is so modified as to obtain a proximity switch output signal directly from the proximity switch 2 as illustrated in FIG. 6, an INHIBIT circuit 15 may be employed in place of the AND circuit 14. In accordance with this modification, it is theoretically possible to eliminate the NOT circuit 11 and 12.

Detailed description has been given as above with respect to embodiments in which a particular article is to be released by one coin detecting signal. Now, description will be made in relation to a coin detecting system, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, by which a particular article is released with a plurality of coin detecting signals.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 8A and 8B, there is shown an embodiment which, in order to fulfil the objects of the present invention, comprises a differential circuit em ployed as a means for identifying a coin detecting signal and a counter serving as control means. The names of the elements identical with those in the foregoing systern will be referred to with like reference numerals. Now, when a desired number of coins 1 are dropped in, the proximity switch 2 produces coin detecting signals corresponding to the number of the coins 1. The output signals from the proximity switch 2 are sent to a differential circuit 3 to be replaced by differential signals modified to a desired width of signal. The differential signals are then applied to a counter 16, which counts the number of the differential signals, and when this number counted amounts to a predetermined number set in the counter 16, the counter 16 then supplies an output signal to a solenoid 4 which, thus energized, releases an article. The counter 16 is further reset and made ready for the next counting operation by a signal which is produced upon release of the article. Numeral 8 indicates a timer which, when a continuous proximity switch output signal is sent forth from the proximity switch 2, is brought into timing operation simultaneously therewith, and after a 6 predetermined time interval t the timer applies an alarm signal to the buzzer 9.

Suppose, for example as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the counter 16 is set with a predetermined number of 4 and that the blocking with coin takes place when.the proximity switch 2, having detected two coins in normal operation, is about to detect the third coin. The proximity switch 2 then begins to produce a continuous proximity switch output signal instead of a normal coin detecting signal for the third coin, further applying the output signal to the differential circuit 3. The differential circuit 3 differentiates the proximity switch output signal and interrupts the signal transmission to the counter 16. On the other hand, when a continuous coin detecting signal is produced from the proximity switch 2, the timer 8 is set in timing operation simultaneously therewith, and after a predetermined time interval I, an alarm signal is applied to the buzzer 9, whereupon it is energized to emit an alarm. In this manner, the blocking-up caused in the coin passage of the coin detecting system can be indicated.

According to the present embodiment, the signals corresponding to the coin detecting signals from the coin detecting means are thus applied to the counter of the control means, where the number of the signals are counted. When the predetermined set number is reached, the solenoid for delivering article is energized, whereupon an article is released. In this way, even when a plurality of coins are dropped in, only one signal for the release of an article is sent out in response to the signals emitted from a coin detecting means such as a proximity switch. Continuous release of articles is therefore perfectly precluded notwithstanding a possible trouble to be raised in the proximity switch.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment which has been slightly modified. In this embodiment, a proximity switch 2 is connected to an INHIBIT circuit 10 which, so far as an output signal from a timer 8 is present, does not send forth an output signal even when there is output signals supplied from the proximity switch 2. The INHIBIT circuit 10 is further connected to a control means 5.

When a desired element of the control means 5, such as a counter 16, receives output signals of the INHIBIT circuit 10, the counter 16 counts the number of the output signals until a predetermined set number is reached, whereupon, for the first time, the counter applies an output signal to a solenoid 4. The counter is then reset by a signal produced upon the solenoid 4 delivering an article, and the counter is now ready for the subsequent counting operation. Numeral 9 designates a buzzer for indicating clogging of coin in the proximity switch 2.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to individual embodiments, the invention is not limited only to these embodiments, but it may also reside in various alterations, modifications and the like.

For example, instead of the proximity switch 2 serving as a coin detecting means, a photoelectric cell (C.D.S.) or the like may also be employed. Furthermore, as previously described, the present invention can be applied to a vending machine of a single operation type in which article-release operation is effected upon a coin being dropped therein or to that of multioperation type provided with a counter which counts the number of the coins dropped in and performs the delivery of the article. Any of such embodiments is of course involved in the concept of the present invention.

What we claim is:

1. A coin detecting system comprising a coin detecting means for producing an output signal upon detecting a coin, a control means to be controlled by a signal from said coin detecting means, and a means for identifying a coin detecting signal, which is disposed between said coin detecting means and said control means to be controlled so as to replace a detecting signal from said coin detecting means and apply the substituted signal to said control means when said coin detecting means continues producing a. detecting signal for more than a predetermined time.

2. A coin detecting system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for identifying a coin detecting signal is so constructed as to interrupt a signal being applied to said means to be controlled only when a detecting signal from said coin detecting means continues for more than a predetermined time.

3. A coin detecting system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said means for identifying a coin detecting signal comprises a TIMING circuit to be brought into a timing operation simultaneously with the supply of an output signal from said coin detecting means and a circuit for receiving as the input thereof an output signal of said coin detecting means and as the inhibit input thereof an output of said timing circuit, in such manner that the supply of a signal to said control means is to be interrupted upon an output signal from said TIMING circuit.

4. A coin detecting system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for identifying a coin detecting signal is adapted to supply a signal to said means to be controlled upon extinction of at detecting signal from said coin detecting means.

5. A coin detecting system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said means for identifying a coin detecting signal comprises a MEMORY circuit for memorizing a coin detecting signal and a circuit for receiving as one input thereof an output of said MEMORY circuit and as the other input thereof a coin detecting signal, said circuit being adapted to produce an output signal upon extinction of a coin detecting signal.

6. A coin detecting system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for identifying a coin detecting signal comprises a means for restricting the width of a detecting signal from said coin detecting means.

7. A coin detecting system as claimed in claim 6 wherein said means for restricting the width of a detecting signal serving as a means for identifying a coin detecting signal is a differential circuit.

8. A coin detecting system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means to be controlled comprises a sole noid for dispensing an article upon receiving an output signal from said coin detecting means and a means for resetting said solenoid after dispensing an article and a signal for said solenoid is to be controlled by said means for identifying coin detecting signals.

9. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said control means is a counter for receiving as an input signal an output signal from said coin detecting means and an input to be supplied to said counter is to be controlled by said means for identifying coin detecting signals.

10. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is provided an alarming means which produces an alarm upon being actuated when a coin detecting signal continues for more than a predetermined time.

References Cited 7 UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,152,677 10/1964 Phillips 194-100 3,378,126 4/1968 Kuckens et al 194--100 STANLEY H. TOLLBERG, Primary Examiner 

